RetailBizBlog

Speaking the language of the people around you can be a much more difficult task then you could imagine. Not everyone has the charisma to captivate an audience of 1-1000 with ease. That is why listening is one of the most important things you can do as a leader. All too often, leaders of today are so confident in the abilities that got them where they are that they expect those around them to mold to fit them. Several companies have enlisted the help of external consultants and educators to attempt to "teach" people how to listen. Unfortunately, no amount of practicing asking questions and para-phrasing someone's comments can really teach someone how to "listen". Those drills are for Management 101. I thought about this while watching that reality show about Corporate CEO's that work a few days in the "trenches" to gain a different perspective. They gain an understanding of both their people and the way their company really operates. In re...

Hello readers, and sorry for my LOONNGGG absence away from my writing. Through reading my last older posts, it should be obvious that I was in the process of starting with a new company. I have been there now for coming up on one year, and have focused my energies to the success of that position. I am still there, and have had many great experiences that I think would be great to share with everyone. Please stay tuned, as I plan to continue at my old pace of 1 or 2 posts a week!! Thanks for sticking with me....or tuning in for the first time!!

Recession is slowing? We are on the edge of recovery? I have read several very encouraging articles over the past few days. Unemployment claims did not go up. Housing prices increased for the first time in years, and housing sales have seen their fourth straight month of increases. Car sales went up...duh! But the one I like to look at is the consumer confidence index. When it is all said and done, it is the consumers who determine if they are gonna start spending money again. Consumer confidence jumped a little higher than expected last month. It is now around 57pts which is a sharp increase from the lowest point of 23 hit just this past January. Unfortunately, it is still well below 90, which is the line of a stable economy, and even further from 110 which indicates strong growth. (Yahoo - Associated Press) Throughout this blog I have encouraged everyone to take control of their own stores. It has been discouraging to see sales decline, and stores close. People are still ...

So far, I have talked much about what kind of employee and leader companies should be looking for. There is another side of that coin. Employees, must also try to seek out employers that stand for and practice the things that are most important to them. In 2002, my sister graduated from Tuck's MBA program. Peter Dolan (then CEO of Bristol-Meyers Squibb) gave the investiture address. Most of the time at such addresses, I may find myself flipping through the program trying to determine how much longer I will have to endure this speech. Not this time. Mr. Dolan, who delivered this speech in the midst of his own corporate scandal, mentioned something very early on, that I have always remembered. He discussed that even in the face of growth and opportunity, you must keep your presence of mind to be aware that it is not costing your values or integrity. He faced such opportunity, and walked away, as the methods to achieve that opportunity no longer were in line with his own value...

I had a phone interview yesterday. Since I have started writing this blog, I have become very aware of the actions and qualities of those around me in the retail world. After I had this interview, I collected my thoughts, and it occurred to me "WOW!! That girl really knows what she is doing!!" A phone interview is a very unique thing. You don't have all the benefits of meeting someone face-to-face. You can't see their reactions, their mannerisms, or even if they present the right image for you. You also don't have the ability to control the level of distractions for the candidate. With all these things against you, how do you get it right? I am simply going to tell how this person conducted this interview...cause THIS is how you do it!! She started off by introducing herself and very clearly explaining her role in both the company and in the interview process. Throughout that part, she used easy and energetic language as well as several different tones ...

I have written much about leadership, and what some of the things are that need to happen for retailers to push through this sluggish economy. I have received and email asking me to provide my definition of a good leader or leadership. I thought it was relevant enough to share in this forum. My personal definition of a strong Leader is: An individual that by a combination of their words and actions inspires people to act towards a vision that they have clearly provided. I firmly believe that leadership is a perfect marriage between communication and vision. If you do not know where you have been, or where you are going, it is impossible to get people to follow. Without vision, there is no leadership. Even if you have a strong vision, then comes the tough part - communicating it in such a way that others don't just agree with you, the believe in you! Unfortunately, I don't know anyone that can train on how to truly be a leader (although several leadership classes exist). ...

I have had a poll on my page for a few days now asking people which level of service they prefer when calling a company. I have also hosted several discussions about the topic. The result was somewhat surprising. The stats (at time of this article) were a lot closer than I expected between waiting to speak with a live person, and using an automated system that has the option to speak with a person. I believe that the automated system is a necessary avenue most companies need to explore during this penny-pinching economy. If it is structured properly, it is quick, convenient, and available whenever I need it! Unfortunately, most are not structured properly. There are pretty much two primary purposes for using this kind of system. 1. Informational/Bill Pay - This option will give the caller such things as; location, directions, business hours, account information, other FAQ's. Most of these are structured in such a way that are quick and efficient for callers to use. 2. Call ...